Today, April 23, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs start their second season at Regency Furniture stadium against the Long Island Ducks. At the team’s media day, TheBAYNET.com was there to talk to a few of the team’s players to get a perspective on the upcoming season.

According to Manager, Butch Hobson, the team is ready to go. ”Spring training went well, and we didn’t have any injuries. We have five quality starting pitchers and we’re ready to make a run at the playoffs.”
 
Hobson stated that in the Atlantic League, the team goal is to win the first half of the season. “If you win one half of the season, you qualify for the playoffs. Getting to the playoff’s is always the goal,” said Hobson.
 
In a round robin of interviews, TBN managed to talk with quite a few Blue Crabs players. Below is a brief introduction to some of the starters for this year’s team.
 
Patrick Osborn – Third Base: Osborn admitted to TBN that last year was his first ever exposure to the rigors of AAA ball and he loved every minute of it and is looking for more of the same this season. “Of course my goal is to get the call to the majors, but until then, I hope to be able to help the team win the championship.” Osborn finished the season last year with a batting average over 300, was an end-of-year all-star and MVP.
 
Jeremy Owens – Center Field:  Owens came to the team at the end of May last year and told TBN that the team atmosphere under Hobson is great and he is looking forward to play a full year. “There was a lot of stuff going on here with it being the first year and all, but I’m looking forward to playing this year when we can concentrate on baseball and winning.”
 
Travis Garcia – Short Stop: Garcia came to the Blue Crabs with only 19 days left in the season last year, but the winning atmosphere and playing for Hobson energized him so much he is looking forward to this full year. “Butch is the best manager I have ever played for in my seven years. He gets us ready to win.”
 
Chuck Jeroloman – Second Base: This is Jeroloman’s first year with the team, coming over from the CanAm League. “I played against Oz [Osborn] when he was at Florida and am enjoying playing with him this year.” This will be Jeroloman’s sixth year as a professional ball player.
 
Lance Burkhart – Catcher: Burkhart is playing with the Blue Crabs for the first time and thinks the team has some outstan

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